Chat with Jeff Goodman

Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, ESPN college basketball Insider Jeff Goodman stops by to chat about the hoops season.

Goodman joined ESPN in June 2013, having previously worked as the senior basketball columnist for CBSSports.com (2011-13) and FOXSports.com (2006-11). He has also worked for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the Associated Press, while also contributing to the USA Today, Washington Post and Boston Herald.

A Boston native, Goodman grew up watching the old Big East, and his passion for college basketball grew while attending Arizona. Goodman currently resides north of Boston with his wife and daughter.

Jim (Syracuse, NY)

What did you think of my antics Saturday in Durham? Did I cost my team the game?

Jeff Goodman

(12:01 PM)

I thought it was completely amusing. I have never seen you get like that. You cost your team a chance to win the game, but all Duke had to do was inbounds, and hit a pair of free throws and it was over. I'm glad you didn't get suspended -- you didn't say anything personal to the refs.

BuddyPC (Providence)

Do you feel Providence's odds of an NCAA bid are improving? They now have a great chance to finish at least fourth in the Big East if they win at Seton Hall and home vs Marquette.

Jeff Goodman

(12:02 PM)

I don't see Providence as a tourney team -- which is too bad because Bryce Cotton has had one heck of a season. Ed Cooley has done a tremendous job without Kris Dunn and Brandon Austin (dismissed from team).

Devin (Traverse City, MI)

Is Caris LeVert the most improved player in the Big Ten?

Jeff Goodman

(12:03 PM)

I said he was the X-factor prior to the season, and he's been terrific. He's so versatile -- and he's been able to make shots from deep. Think about the fact that he would have been at Ohio University if John Groce didn't leave for Illinois.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Do you think part of the reason Boeheim blew up was due in part to the inequity, or lack of consistency, with the whistle? Jabari Parker got an And 1 on the exact same play a few minutes earlier.

Jeff Goodman

(12:03 PM)

Yes. I think that's exactly the case. Refs -- with the new rules - have not been calling many charges this year. That's why he got upset. For the most part, that's been a block this season.

Zach (Raleigh) [via mobile]

What are the chances the Wolfpack beat UNC tonight? How do their tournament chances look too?

Jeff Goodman

(12:05 PM)

T.J. Warren needs more help, but I think N.C. State has a shot tonight in Raleigh -- although the Tar Heels may try and exact a little revenge from last year (I was there for that game, which was pretty embarrassing.) N.C. State needs this one, and to do some damage in the ACC tourney, to have any shot of avoiding the NIT.

Jayson (The Woodlands, TX)

Does James Dickey get another year at Houston or do you see the program going in a different direction?

Jeff Goodman

(12:06 PM)

Good question. He's in Year 4 and there's been minimal improvement. They need to upgrade facilities to make that program on semi-equal footing with some of the elite ones right now in the American Athletic.

Tracy (Durham)

Who is your ACC Player of the Year?

Jeff Goodman

(12:06 PM)

Jabari. Parker.

Tracy (Durham)

Has Coach K given up on Quinn Cook?

Jeff Goodman

(12:07 PM)

No, but he's losing patience with Cook. The problem is that, as a coach, you want to know what you are going to get from your point guard. Cook has been erratic throughout his career. That won't be the case next season when Tyus Jones arrives in Durham.

Tracy (Durham)

Who is more likely to stay for Duke this year? Hood or Parker and which would be better beside Jahlil Okafor?

Jeff Goodman

(12:08 PM)

I don't think either one stays to be honest. Either would look really good next to Okafor, though. Duke will be favored to win it all if either remains.

CardinalStrong (Louisville, KY)

If Louisville doesn't lose again until the NCAA tournament, how bad is Rick Pitino's beard going to look?

Jeff Goodman

(12:09 PM)

It's already getting really shaggy. I'd like to see Richard Pitino do the same thing. That would be quite the look.

Chris (Lake Forest, IL)

Does a first team All-Big Ten of Nik Stauskas, Gary Harris, Terran Petteway, Frank Kaminsky, and Devyn Marble sound right?

Jeff Goodman

(12:10 PM)

I'm OK with that group. Question is who is the Big Ten Player of the Year? I'd go with Stauskas or Harris -- depending on which team wins the league title.

Chuck (Philly)

Who's Big 12 Player of the Year?

Jeff Goodman

(12:11 PM)

That's a tough one. I am leaning towards Melvin Ejim.

Aaron (Leesburg, VA)

Do you think Myles Turner will join the Duke Dream Team or stay closer to home?

Jeff Goodman

(12:11 PM)

Closer to home. I'm going with Texas or Kansas.

Sam Hinkie [via mobile]

If we get the First pick in the draft should I take Wiggins or Embiid?

Jeff Goodman

(12:12 PM)

Embiid. He has just as much upside as Wiggins and is 7-feet tall.

Jeff (Tampa, FL)

Do you think the refs got the Parker and Fair calls right?

Jeff Goodman

(12:12 PM)

I thought the Parker call was wrong, but I agree with the Fair call. I thought Hood was in good position to draw the charge.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Over/under 20 consecutive years of Kansas dominating the Big XII?

Jeff Goodman

(12:13 PM)

Is Bill Self still in Lawrence in 10 years? If so, I'll take the over.

Kevin (Tucson)

Pac-12 officiating, what would you do to change it, make it better?

Jeff Goodman

(12:13 PM)

Hire better officials.

HaroldMiner (El Paso)

Jeff, the top of the CUSA is a 5 way battle. Who is going to come out of that league and is there any chance for multiple bids?

Jeff Goodman

(12:13 PM)

I don't see multiple bids. I'm going to go with Louisiana Tech, but Southern Miss, Middle Tenn and even UTEP have a chance.

George (Tucson AZ)

What about them Wildcats, you still have doughts? give them some credit. good team, coach and fan base. Thats all they need to get the NC. Your thoughts.

Jeff Goodman

(12:15 PM)

Great coach, very good team and terrific fan base. I just worry about this team not making enough shots. Not sold they can reel off 6 straight without Brandon Ashley.

Pat (Arlington Heights, IL)

Iowa's defensive issues are maddening. Do you see the Hawkeyes being able to do anything in the postseason with there being so many deficiencies on that side of the court?

Jeff Goodman

(12:16 PM)

Iowa still has plenty of talent, and depth -- but the defense has been sub-par and that has worried me for a while now. Need to guard the 3-point line better -- and just guard overall more consistently.

Brandon (Tucson)

How many more loses can Arizona afford in your opinion and still keep a number 1 seed? I say 3 of 4 would be good enough, especially if the loss is at Oregon.

Jeff Goodman

(12:16 PM)

They can probably afford one -- maybe two more losses -- and still get a No. 1 seed. But it depends who wins some of these other conference tourneys.

Tra (Durham)

Give us your Final Four and Elite Eight.

Jeff Goodman

(12:17 PM)

Florida, Kansas, Michigan State and Creighton are my Final Four.

Rick Pitino's Beard (Rick Pitino)

Hey I look sexy! Thoughts?

Jeff Goodman

(12:17 PM)

Shave the beard. Now. Please.

Ryan Smith (Charlotte)

Jeff why is not UNC getting any respect they have won 9 games in a row, they beat Duke yet they are not getting respect.?

Jeff Goodman

(12:18 PM)

Because they have only beaten one lock tourney team within that 9-game span (I don't count Pittsburgh). The ACC is mediocre. UNC is so erratic, and I'm not sold they can reel off four straight in March.

Nick (Virginia) [via mobile]

Do you miami becoming a contender in the acc and on the national scale again in the next few years with the way larranaga has turned the program around and recruited?

Jeff Goodman

(12:19 PM)

They will be better next season with Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon Mcclellan and DeAndre Burnett. Still probably a big man away from being a Top 20 team.

B Mand (Sarasota, FL)

What does Florida State need to do in their remaining 3 games plus the ACC tourney to feel confident heading into Selection Sunday?

Jeff Goodman

(12:19 PM)

Win all three - and then win a game in the ACC tourney.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Who potentially has the more imposing/dominant frontline? Kansas with Turner and Alexander or Duke with Turner and Okafor?

Jeff Goodman

(12:20 PM)

Tough, tough question. I love both of them. I'll go Kansas because the Jayhawks would also have Perry Ellis. I think Duke loses Jabari and Hood.

Cameron (Durham)

Assuming Coach K steps down at some point, who do you see taking over? Seems like Coach Collins could be good, but doesn't Duke love Brad Stevens and he's got a relationship with K, right?

Jeff Goodman

(12:20 PM)

Depends on the timing. My gut says Wojo is the next coach at Duke.

Marcus Paige (CHAPEL HILL)

Jeff what about me for ACC player of the year? Without me my team would have not won 9 games in a row.

Jeff Goodman

(12:21 PM)

Yep. You have had one heck of a season and are in the mix, but I'm going with Jabari Parker.

Wichita [via mobile]

Didn't you pick Bradley to beat wsu?

Jeff Goodman

(12:21 PM)

They asked for a crazy prediction that probably wouldn't come true a couple weeks ago. I said Bradley would beat Wichita and the Shockers would lose another game by the time the NCAA tourney starts.

Frank (LaMarque, Tx)

Can Florida win it all?

Jeff Goodman

(12:22 PM)

Absolutely. The Gators are not overpowering, but don't really have a glaring weakness. I love their balance, experience, coaching, etc. They may go into March as the favorite to win it all.

Jared (Boise)

____ wins the WCC tourney.

Jeff Goodman

(12:23 PM)

The Zags. They aren't what they have been, but I'm still going with Gonzaga. Problem is that Pangos still doesn't look healthy.

Adam (Houston)

Any chance Tom Crean gets fired?

Jeff Goodman

(12:23 PM)

I'd be shocked. He did a pretty darn good job the last two years.

David (DC)

Jeff, any chance the Georgia Bulldogs can make it to the tourney without winning the SEC tournament? Are we at least a lock for the NIT?

Jeff Goodman

(12:24 PM)

No shot. Need to perform some magic again. I'm going to the tourney and the last time I was there was the time that the Bulldogs ran it after the tornado.

Nick (Grayslake, IL)

Will Wichita St. end up getting that last #1 seed?

Jeff Goodman

(12:24 PM)

Yes, I think they will end up getting a No. 1 seed -- although I'm not sure they are deserving. Kansas has played 21 games against teams ranked in the Top 75. Wichita State has played three. I'd give it to Kansas.

Mike P (Greater Kc Metro)

More likely to Happen... Creighton wins the Big East or Wichita State Gets a 1 seed

Jeff Goodman

(12:24 PM)

Wichita State getting a No. 1 seed.

Jeff Goodman

(12:26 PM)

Finish .500 in the Big Ten and win a game in the conference tourney -- or split these last two league games and win two games in Big Ten tourney.

Doug McD (everywhere)

Your man crush on me is scary. What don't you like about my game?

Jeff Goodman

(12:26 PM)

Nothing at all. I love you just the way you are.

Rachel (L.A.)

Do you think Mark Few will ever reach a Final 4?

Jeff Goodman

(12:27 PM)

Hard to say. I don't see this team getting to the Final Four, but it's been tough because Pangos isn't healthy. If they are healthy, I think they could be very good next season. Remember, they add Wiltjer -- who fits much better in Spokane.

Jason Brickman (Brooklyn)

Jeff Goodman

(12:28 PM)

Jason -- you deserve more love. I wish you were on TV more, or played on a team that won more games. That's the difference.

Roy Williams (Chapel Hill )

Jeff, I understand that you are a Duke fan with that said don't overlook the great recruiting class that we have coming in next year with.

Jeff Goodman

(12:28 PM)

I am a Duke fan? Good to know. I never knew that before. You guys do have a good class coming in next season -- I love Pinson and Jackson.

Leo (Lafayette, IN)

Will Matt Painter be in a must-win year at Purdue next season? Things have not been very good for the Boilermakers since your boy, Robbie Hummel, exhausted his eligibility.

Jeff Goodman

(12:29 PM)

I think there will be some pressure on Painter next season in West Lafayette. Wonder if Hummel can get one more year in college?

Jon (Seattle, WA)

Don't expect it to happen, but if Wisconsin wins out, they have to be a #1 seed, right? Not sure any other team can match their quality of wins

Jeff Goodman

(12:29 PM)

I think it would still be tough for the Badgers to get a No. 1 seed -- even if they win out.

Denny (Chicago)

Do you believe this season is just a blip on the radar for John Groce at Illinois?

Jeff Goodman

(12:31 PM)

I do. I think Ilinois will be much better in the near future. The question is whether Groce can get them to where they are in the mix for a Final Four again. That is still debatable.

David (DC)

Jeff, I'll buy you a beer or a few if you can work your magic and get the SEC tourney moved to the Georgia Tech campus again...

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Is there any chance that quality CBB returns to the state of Georgia within the next 5 years? The Yellow Jackets and Bulldogs are horrid. And both conferences could certainly use the added depth.

Don (Berkeley, CA)

Are Romar's days numbered in Seattle?

Jeff Goodman

(12:32 PM)

Few coaches are as well-liked and respected as Lorenzo Romar. He'll be fine.

Roy Williams (Chapel Hill)

Jeff, I'm sorry about that earlier crack. Someone pee'd in my Coke Cola. Let us know how you feel about my class compared to Mike's. Seems like he's been getting more one and dones and top guys. That used to be my deal. I need to fire Hubert?

Jeff Goodman

(12:33 PM)

It's ok, Roy. That's happened to me before as well -- really unfortunate. I'll take Mike's class over yours, though. He has arguable the two best players at their position. You have very good players coming in, but not elite.

Charles (Columbus, OH)

How much different would this year's Kentucky team be with Kyle Wiltjer on the squad?

Jeff Goodman

(12:33 PM)

Not much different.

Erik (Ann Arbor)

Why don't national pundits like yourself give John Beilein more credit?

Jeff Goodman

(12:34 PM)

Beilein has done a remarkable job -- not just this year after losing McGary, but overall. I never expected him to be this successful in Ann Arbor.

Greg (Albany, NY)

What is your favorite memory from an NCAA Tournament game that you have attended?

Jeff Goodman

(12:35 PM)

Four upsets in Tampa on one day a few years back. One after the other. Was such an awesome day.

Frank (LaMarque, Tx)

Which middle of the pack teams in their own respective leagues will be a nuisance to play early in the NCAA Tournament?

Jeff Goodman

(12:35 PM)

Great question. Iowa, VCU, Oklahoma State are a few.

Scratches (the Gump, AL)

How many SEC teams will make the Big Dance? Florida and Kentucky are clearly in, but I don't know if anyone else is a lock yet.

Jeff Goodman

(12:36 PM)

I'll say 3 at the end of the day. My guess is someone gets to the SEC title game we didn't expect. Maybe Mizzou, Tennessee or even LSU or Arkansas.

Scratches (the Gump, AL)

What about Alabama's Anthony Grant? Think he gets canned during/after this season?

Jeff Goodman

(12:36 PM)

Nope. He's fine. Under contract for a while longer.

Ryan Smith (Charlotte)

Jeff, who has Wichita State beating that they deserve to be ranked in the top 3.

Jeff Goodman

(12:36 PM)

I'm with you. I've got the Shockers ranked fifth.

Ted Flint (Kansas)

Ceiling and Floor for Iowa State this march

Jeff Goodman

(12:37 PM)

Final Four ceiling -- and floor is getting bounced in first game.

Paul Biancardi (Charlotte)

Hi Buddy just want to say you are doing a great job with the chat. I just want to ask how is the weather in Boston right now.

Jeff Goodman

(12:37 PM)

That's just not right, Paul. It's probably sunny and 70 down there. I got back from a week in Bristol and my driveway is like an ice skating rink. Seriously, I think I'm going to put on my skates after the chat and get in a workout.

Ed (Queens Village)

Larry Brown likely to win national coach of year or AAC coach of year?

Jeff Goodman

(12:38 PM)

Tough competition within his league from Mick Cronin.

Jackson (MI)

You still have MSU in your F4? You think the problem is JUST Injuries? I see something deeper.

Jeff Goodman

(12:38 PM)

Injuries. If Appling's wrist gets healthy, I'll still take the Spartans to cut down the nets. But that's a BIG IF.

Dave (Seattle)

Jeff if I get this answered, I win $40 and you just answered my brothers question. Help a fellow wildcat out: Which of the likely #1 seeds are most likely to suffer an early round upset?

Jeff Goodman

(12:38 PM)

Arizona.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Justin Jackson is the #1 player at his position, but he's not elite? I don't know about that one Jeff.

Jeff Goodman

(12:39 PM)

Not elite like Okafor or Tyus (as a college PG). Nope.

Jeff (Tampa, FL)

Name one sleeper that team no one is talking about that could surprise in March and make it to the FF, if not win it all?

Jeff Goodman

(12:39 PM)

New Mexico. Quality bigs, veteran guards and enough depth.

Dave (Seattle)

Please

Jeff Goodman

(12:39 PM)

Please what?

David (DC)

Jeff, any chance the Georgia Bulldogs make it to the NCAA tourney without winning the SEC tournament? Are we at least a lock for the NIT?

Jeff Goodman

(12:43 PM)

Frank (LaMarque, Tx)

Jeff Goodman

(12:43 PM)

Pac-12.

Alan (DC)

What has been your favorite game or top handful of games to cover in person since joining ESPN

Jeff Goodman

(12:45 PM)

Oregon at Arizona was incredible for me since I went to school in Tucson. Plus, I got to work with Dave Pasch and Bill Walton. So entertaining -- but it was surreal for me to actually work a game on TV where I went to school.

Maddie (Bloomington)

This years shot,IF Vonleh stays where do you see the Hoosiers next year?

Jeff Goodman

(12:45 PM)

Back in the NCAA tourney.

Roy Williams (Chapel Hill)

I like Parrish better anyhow.

Jeff Goodman

(12:45 PM)

Doesn't everyone?

Grant (Kansas City)

Best spot for a Final Four - New Orleans or Indianapolis?

Jeff Goodman

(12:45 PM)

New Orleans is the best -- only issue is having to get up early for some of the actual "work."

Zach (Houston, TX)

Has the Lon Kruger returned the OU program to being an annual conference/tourney contender?

Jeff Goodman

(12:46 PM)

Lon is so underrated. The guy just wins wherever he is. I really like this Oklahoma team -- and love this program going forward.

Jim Nantz (New York City)

Hi Jeff, we miss you at CBS but we are so happy to see you doing a great job at ESPN. Keep up the great week. I'm looking forward to our golf game in May.

Jeff Goodman

(12:47 PM)

Thanks, Jim. I appreciate it. I'm going to go out and play a round in a few through the snow.

Dave (Seattle)

Dave, is there anything you do more quickly than answering chat questions?

Jeff Goodman

(12:47 PM)

I'm Jeff -- not Dave. A lot of people call me John, though - because of my uncanny physical resemblance to the actor.

Justin (Iowa)

What seed do you see Iowa ending up with? 7 seed?

Jeff Goodman

(12:48 PM)

I think Iowa winds up with a 6 seed, maybe even a 5.

Hanson (DC)

Pretty good showing for the new Big East,can this new incarnation ever rival the Big East of the 80's?

Jeff Goodman

(12:48 PM)

Nope. Never.

Jeff Goodman

(12:49 PM)

I have to run guys and try and work on my pond that was previously known as my driveway. It's a sheet of ice -- and I'm afraid my wife and daughter are gonna go down hard one of these days. Thanks for joining me -- I appreciate. See ya next week.